Broncos Fall to Tigers 40-3

(Hastings, NE) – The Hastings Broncos fell in their Homecoming matchup versus Doane on Saturday, 40-3, in a game that Doane led the whole way.

Hastings forced a punt on the opening possession, but fumbled on the second play, resulting in a turnover. Doane took advantage five plays later on a 22-yard touchdown pass to go up 7-0.

Sophomore quarterback Carson Kudlacek and freshman running back Deven Brady led the Broncos down the field on the next drive resulting in a 35-yard field goal from senior Xander Salyers, cutting the lead to 7-3.

In the second quarter, Doane scored on a 49-yard touchdown on the first play of the quarter. Both teams would trade punts for most of the quarter, but Doane got a 42-yard field goal with 1:19 left in the first half. 

The Broncos were aggressive in their pursuit of points to close the half, but were unable to convert on a 4th-and-11 at the Doane 47. The Tigers capitalized with their extra possession, as they connected on a deep 54-yard touchdown pass to take a 24-3 halftime lead.

Both teams went three-and-out to open the second half, but Doane forced a fumble on the Hastings punt return, giving them favorable field possession at the Hastings 26. The Bronco defensive held strong, as freshman linebacker Dawson Kissinger's sack helped hold the Tigers to a 51-yard field goal.

Doane scored a touchdown later in the third quarter on a 24-yard touchdown pass to go up 34-3 lead. On Hastings' next drive, Brady had a big gain that was called back on a penalty, but they responded with a 13-yard run from sophomore Josh Ray and a couple of receptions resulting in 35 yards from Kudlacek to senior wide receiver Jaishawn Wright. The Tigers stopped their momentum on the next play by forcing a fumble.

The Tigers added one more touchdown, scoring on a 37-yard, 3rd-and-17 touchdown pass to make the final score 40-7.

Kudlacek finished the game 23-43 for 221 yards, Brady had 12 carries for 47 yards, and Ray had six carries for 46 yards. Wright led the Broncos in receiving with seven catches for 59 yards. Junior linebacker had a great game defensively with 14 tackles and assisted on a tackle for loss.

Up next, Hastings will play at Concordia in Seward, NE on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 1pm.